NDC suspends Daniel Nortey over Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse remarks

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has suspended Daniel Nortey, its Amasaman Communications Officer, from all media and public engagements following controversial remarks he made regarding sexual abuse allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS). The suspension, which took effect immediately on October 22, 2026, was prompted by comments the party described as irresponsible and inconsistent with its core values. The NDC leadership emphasized that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual misconduct and will not tolerate the trivialization of such serious allegations.

The controversy stemmed from a viral video of a panel discussion on Accra-based ATV, in which Mr. Nortey appeared to justify or dismiss the gravity of the allegations against the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai. During the broadcast, Mr. Nortey reportedly asked, "He's a rapist, and so what?" Although he later apologized and claimed his comments were made in the heat of the moment, the NDC National Communication Bureau moved to sanction him to preserve the party's stance on human rights and child protection.

Addressing the broader scandal, NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey affirmed that the party will not shield Mr. Abdulai, who is accused of sexually abusing 19 female students. Mr. Kwetey explained that the party had initially cleared Mr. Abdulai to contest for a constituency chairmanship based on limited information, but reversed that decision after reviewing evidence gathered by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. Consequently, Mr. Abdulai has withdrawn his candidacy for the internal party position and remains suspended from his role at Obuasi SHTS.

Mr. Kwetey reiterated that the NDC supports a thorough and independent investigation by law enforcement agencies, noting that the case is now in the hands of the Attorney-General. He underscored that the party would not interfere with the legal process or protect anyone based on political affiliation. The NDC urged all party communicators to handle sensitive topics with the necessary respect and care, reaffirming that the party’s priority remains the pursuit of justice for the affected students.